Re: pruning vallisnaria / sagitairia
Welcome, Nelson. I love vals (spelt Vallisneria) and have them in most of my tanks.
I let the long leaves float on the surface and don't mind some light blockage. These provide a sense of security for my killifishes and they're less skittish. It also blocks the view of that pesky kingfisher which occasionally perch on the tank rim waiting for lunch
Most of my tanks rely on ambient lighting, without additional overhead light source, so I can't relate to 'planted tank' per se.
To thin the val down, just strip off the outermost leaves, directly at the base or crown. You can also give them a 'hair cut', just a few inches longer than the height of your tank. HTH.
I'm back & keeping 'em fingers wet,
Ronnie Lee
Bookmarks